This year’s (the 44th) pantomime production from Burneside Amateur Theatrical Society is ‘Beauty and the Beast’ by Ben Crocker.

BATS have never produced Beauty and the Beast before, and it promises to be a knockabout, raucous, traditional pantomime, full of the expected ingredients of slapstick fun, sharp one-liners and audience participation!

The story follows (sort of ) traditional lines with Rose (Beauty) falling for the Beast, with the added complications of a dame (Rose’s mum) and Felix, a giant French Poodle, complete with French accent , who acts as a narrator and guide through the pantomime (unless he comes across a lamppost – best not to go there!)

But no panto would be complete without a baddie, and everyone needs to look out for Malabelle, the wicked witch with less than wholesome designs on the handsome Prince.

With plenty of songs to sing along to, loads of chances for audience participation and of course, laugh out loud moments galore; this is a show not to be missed!

...and I’m sure, a happy ending!

Sitting in the Director’s chair for the first time at Burneside is Louise Bell...

She writes...

My first pantomime from the other side of the stage… I have always had a passion for performing, and after joining BATS in 2015 I’ve enjoyed participating in the variety of shows they put on. This time though, I decided it was time to have a different challenge and turn my hand to directing. I’m grateful to the committee for allowing me this opportunity and for the support they’ve given me. Ben Crocker has adapted the story of Beauty and the Beast into a great pantomime that can be enjoyed by all the family. Ben also lets you have free rein of musical numbers which means we’ve been able to include several ‘toe-tapping’ songs – please feel free to sing along! ​